PTSD is possible for people impacted by twister

"You have experienced a traumatic event. …Even though the event may be completed, you may now be experiencing or may experience later some strong emotional or physical reactions. It is very common, in fact quite normal, for people to experience emotional aftershocks when they have passed through a horrible event."

The Middle Peninsula-Northern Neck Community Services Board is distributing that message by way of fliers this week. Teams have been out visiting with people in Gloucester and Middlesex counties affected by the devastating tornado, providing them resources and giving them a chance to talk about what they've been through. It's a pre-emptive strike against post-traumatic stress disorder.

It's hard to tell right now whether anyone will experience PTSD as a result of Saturday's tornado, which killed three people, said O'Connell McKeon, director of the CSB's clinical services. The CSB provides services related to mental health, intellectual disabilities and substance use.

PTSD doesn't exhibit right away. If you can debrief people, tell them that the range of emotions and reactions they're experiencing are normal and offer resources, it can help, she said.

When a tornado tore through Suffolk in 2008, Larry Herrin was in a pickup truck with his brother-in-law.

"It was huge, like something you would see in the 'Wizard of Oz,'" he said.

Without time to seek shelter, they parked near a house — which was later destroyed as the tornado slammed through the Burnetts Mill neighborhood — and ducked down onto the floorboards.

"The winds picked up the truck two or three times and … sucked the windows out of the truck. I don't know why it didn't kill us."

In the weeks that followed, Herrin noticed a "nervous, funny feeling" every time the sky clouded over. He was depressed and struggled with the stress of having to rebuild his family's home, which the tornado had destroyed.

Finally, Herrin said, he sought help from a psychologist and was diagnosed with post traumatic stress syndrome. He spent about three months in therapy, where he learned to understand his emotions and fears.

"We spent a lot of time talking about what happened … and justifying that it was an act of God. I think that helped me," he said. "I think I was just in a state of shock for while."

While he doesn't get overly anxious during bad weather anymore, Herrin says he pays close attention when tornado watches and warnings are issued.

"When that happens, I am glued to the television."

A few years after the 2008 Suffolk twister, a client came to talk to Trish Signor, a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist with Churchland Psychological Center in Chesapeake. Signor's advice? Don't wait that long.

"If someone doesn't get help right away, it takes longer," she said. "It was really difficult to treat her. Every time there was even just a storm, a thunderstorm, all those memories came flooding back."

PTSD treatment can include changing negative thoughts, from anger — "Why did this happen to me?" — to thinking, "It's nobody's fault. It was an act of God. I'm grateful I didn't die." It can also include relaxation techniques, deep breathing exercises or visualization, to help work through anxiety.

"The bottom line is just talking about it, just getting it out is the best way to help somebody," Signor said.